Pics: Deepak Paladka
News: Shodhan Prasad
Dubai, Nov 20: In a lightening call, Tuluvas residing in UAE joined together and enthusiastically met at Fortune Plaza Hotel, Dubai on November 18 at 7.30 pm to discuss the preparation of the proposed ‘Tulunadochhaya 2017’, an annual event of Tuluvas scheduled to be held at Nisarga Dhama, Pilikula, Mangaluru on December 23 and 24, 2017.
‘Tulunadochhaya 2017’ is a mega event where more than two lac Tuluvas are expected to assemble and celebrate the occasion exclusively for Tuluvas of Tulunadu irrespective of caste, creed or religion.
Shodhan Prasad began the meet welcoming all the Tuluvas. He said “‘Tulunadochhaya 2017’ is one of the main events for Tuluvas by Tuluvas. It is an event depicting the importance of Tulunadu culture, folk, art, tradition and way of living. This event will also highlight the hourly need of Tuluvas to collectively work towards developing language, culture and tradition in the current world. The event will be successful only if everybody joins hands together in large numbers and work hand in hand like a family celebration.”
He mentioned the grand celebration of ‘Vishwa Tulu Ayono 2016’, a similar event which recorded a grand seven day celebration at five stages in Badiadka, Kasargod wherein the organisers chose Dubai resident, a prominent community leader, Sarvotham Shetty as the president, who successfully concluded the event with the blessings of Dharmadhikari of Dharmasthala, Veerendra Heggade.
Sarvotham Shetty, who was conferred ‘Mayura Global Kannadiga Award 2017’ just a day ago at a programme organized by Sharjah Karnataka Sangha, was welcomed and invited on to the dais to host the programme as he is also one of the executives of ‘Tulunadochhaya 2017’ event.
Sarvotham Shetty shared his views and experience handling ‘Vishwa Tulu Ayono 2016’ event last year. He briefed on the various occasions how people of Kasargod impressively carried over the programme in a traditional way with ultimate dedication. He said that he was shocked to see people flocking to be part of the maiden cultural event. More than two lac people assembled during the event. He also mentioned how miraculously fund was contributed for the event on the spot in spite of demonetization of currency announced by the government during the same time. While wishing good luck to the upcoming event, he assured his fullest support and co-operation.
Soon after, Shodhan announced well known businessman Frank Fernandes as the president of ‘Tulunadochhaya 2017’ mega event. He said, “It is for the second time that a person from Dubai is being chosen for this year’s event too. I am immensely proud to announce the name, as the person chosen is not only a successful businessman, but a humble person who has produced not only Kannada and Konkani films but also has produced and presented a Tulu film ‘Jai Tulunadu’ recently. Having a track record of producing five movies in three languages, Frank Fernandes has promoted various Tulu,Kannada and Konkani programmes in the Gulf and India by sponsoring wholeheartedly. Frank Fernandes, though a Christian by faith, has wide knowledge having studied various sacred books of Islam and Hinduism and flawlessly chants the verses of these holy books at various occasions.”
Addressing the gathering, Frank Fernandes briefed on the preparation and requested everyone to join hands in making the event a successful one. He recited verses from holy books and said, “God has not made any religion. It is we humans who have made them. At the same time, we should understand that humanity is the greatest religion. All religious books state and record the same teachings. We need to make ourselves aware that we need to live in peace and harmony for a good life. Problems are being triggered by political parties for their gains which we need to understand,” he said.
Shodhan then invited, M E Moolur, vice-president of Beary’s Cultural Forum (BCF), a body which actively provides educational scholarship for the needy back home with a record number every year. Moolur, a writer, lyricist, singer and a social worker spoke on the occasion and shared some of the sweet past events and moments. He highlighted the rich Tulu tradition and language and said that this is one of the leading Dravidian languages second to none. The respect in this language is said to be ultimate and can easily convert any other language instantly. He gave an example singing an old Hindi song and translating it in Tulu which was applauded by the whole audience. Some of the historical moments he shared showed his vast knowledge on the mother tongue.
President of ‘Tulunada Rakshana Vedike’ (TRV) Yogesh Shetty Jeppu was invited on to the dais. For the past nine years, Yogesh who is the founder president of ‘Tulunada Rakshana Vedike’ is a staunch soldier of the foundation, fighting for the cause of Tuluvas in a right manner. He was a corporator in Mangaluru Municipality Corporation and is now also the main convener of ‘Tulunadochhaya 2017’ event.
Yogesh shared some of the good and bad moments in his nine years as the president of ‘Tulunada Rakshana Vedike’. He also briefed on the necessity of such an organization which will not only fight for injustice but also for the rights of Tuluvas in their state. He said that his organization so far has been carrying out their duties rightfully without any single black mark to any of their members including him. He also raised certain points on why such an organization is important in the society. Yogesh proudly mentioned that as of now ‘Tulunada Rakshana Vedike’ has grown tremendously with the support of Tuluvas and are having branches in various parts of Tulunadu.
‘Tulunada Rakshana Vedike’ inaugurates first international unit in Dubai
Though there were few individuals working in various places outside India for the Vedike, it is for the first time, an international unit was inaugurated in Dubai in the presence of its founder president Yogesh Shetty Jeppu. Briefing on the importance of this unit, Yogesh said that he is proud to choose the official team in whom he has seen fighting instincts for various causes.
Office bearers of ‘International Tulunada Rakshana Vedike’
Frank Fernandes – Honorary president
Hidayathulla – President
Suresh Poojary – Vice president
Nithyanand Beskoor – Vice president
Ajmal Sayed – Vice president
Praveen Bhandary – General secretary
Laltha Hegde – Joint secretary
Uwaiz Chowgule – Joint secretary
Umesh – Joint secretary
Vinod – Treasurer
Suchith Narayan – Organising secretary
Youth wing
Premjeeth – Youth wing president
Vikram – Youth wing general secretary
Women/Ladies wing
Rajani Jagadish Amin – President
Mamatha Kotiyan – General secretary
Honorary advisory committee
Sarvotham Shetty
Shodhan Prasad
M E Moolur
A photo session was conducted soon after which continued with another meeting to discuss further course of action.
The programme ended with vote of thanks rendered by Shodhan Prasad and followed by sumptuous buffer dinner sponsored by Naushad from Saudi Arabia who came all the way from there being an ardent follower of ‘Tulunada Rakshana Vedike’.